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Robin Bouchard Becomes Minor Pro Hockey's All-Time Greatest-Ever Goal Cannoneer

March 22, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


`JACKS TRACKS: All-time hockey history was made the past weekend at the Muskegon Lumberjacks home of Walker Arena. When he scored the game's FG at 14:10 of the first period on Sunday, right wing Robin Bouchard stepped into pro hockey immortality and continued to elevate his extraordinary legendary status among the game's all-time greats. The 36-year-old 16-year veteran registered the 683rd goal of his magnificent career to become the greatest goal-scoring cannoneer in the history of minor pro hockey annals. Bouchard's 683-goals eclipsed the previous standard of 682 set a mere two years ago by Don Parsons who established the mark in the final year of his career while skating for the Bloomington PrairieThunder of the same circuit. Through Bouchard's goal-scoring histrionics, the Lumberjacks did complete the sweep of their 2-games' weekend slate. In the process, Muskegon regained a slightly more comfortable 6-points' advantage over two-time defending Huber Trophy and Turner Cup kingpin Fort Wayne, though the Komets still maintain 2-games in hand on the Muskegon club. With 4-weeks and 11-games still remaining on their regular season docket, the Lumberjacks have compiled a masterful mark of 65(44-18-3) totaling 91-points for a win percentage of.700. Meanwhile, Fort Wayne 63(41-19-3)85 have 13-games on its remaining agenda. The Komets are 7(6-1-0) in their last 7-dates with the lone loss inflicted by the league-leaders. Port Huron 64(39-21-4)82-points is 9-points in arrears of Muskegon with 1-game in hand. Of the `Jacks remaining 11-outings, 4-more will be played at the amiable climes and environs of Walker Arena while 7-more dates still face their foreign ice escapades. This week, the Lumberjacks will continue and complete their extended three-games' homestand as they await the showdown Friday night when Fort Wayne comes to town on "$1 BEER NIGHT." Saturday night, it will be another hockey night in Muskegon, "Saturday Nitro," as the hometown team awaits another invasion from the Mallards of Quad City on the annual, ever-popular "BEACH NIGHT" extravaganza.

NOTING PROMOTING: With two momentous, monumental home games on the marquee this weekend, the first place Lumberjacks are, again, putting their best foot forward with lots of notion to their promotion. Friday night is another "$1 BEER NIGHT." In addition, BREAKAWAY BICYCLES will be giving away another one of their nifty spring-fling bikes in a special giveaway. Saturday night, "BEACH NIGHT" is back for its annual prominent pageantry of pulchritude for a cache of premium prizes expressly for both the male and female divisions.

HUBER HUNTING: On the strength of two impressive victory verdicts the past weekend, the Lumberjacks of head coach Rich Kromm have buttressed their bulge on the IHL's premiere pedestal pinnacle in their bid for the Huber Trophy regular season crown. With an overall season mark of 65(44-18-3) for 91-points and.700 win percentage, the Lumberjacks are 5(4-1-0) in their last 5-starts after enduring their longest losing spell of the campaign at 4-in a row. Their 44-victories are just 6-shy of the franchise fifth 50-win season and 3-more wins than the rest of the loop. With 91-points, Muskegon is 9-points from its seventh 100-points' season in the last 11-years; a truly enormous achievement. Through their first 27-games of the season's second half, the men Muskegon hockey fame and renown have posted a mark of 27(18-9-0) for.667 win percentile. The club has attained the league's 3-longest win skeins of the season; 9-in a row; 7-consecutively and 6-in succession. They also have composed the longest unsullied streak of the season at 10(9-0-1). The monthly spread sheet: October 6(3-3-0); November 12(9-1-2); December 12(8-3-1); January 13(10-3-0); February 12(9-3-0); March 10(5-5-0).

HOSTILE TIDE TAKEOVER: The Lumberjacks have been, perhaps, the most consistent congruous club abroad thus far this season. They extracted their 17th foreign ice success Saturday night at Fort Wayne where they derailed the kinetic Komets, 4-3. Having prevailed in 2 of their most recent 3 road rides, the `Jacks have upgraded their hostile environment log to a league-best 31(17-11-3) with those 11- defeats being the least in the league. The `Jacks have spirited away a minimum of 2-triumphs from every IHL port this year. The longest win streak abroad has been the league's second best at 5-in a row while their 11-games' unbeaten streak; 11(8-0-3) is still the best in the IHL for this season.

"SOCK IT IN THE POCKET!": For almost the entire campaign, the Lumberjacks have been obsessed and possessed as the circuit's supreme scoring machine. Having connected on a league-high 244-GF, Muskegon has produced 27-more goals than the rest of the league. In the last 15-games, they have clicked offensively to the tune of 70-GF for a GFA of a prolific 4.67.

MARQUEE MAJESTICS: The league-leading Lumberjacks are at or near the top everywhere you look in this banner season for the hometown titans. The top scoring artisans: 1- Todd Robinson 63(19-79-98); 2- Robin Bouchard 62(56-38-94); 11- John DiPace 47(22-34-56); 20- Brian Bicek 65(18-27-45); 22- Matt Krug 64(13-30-43). In Goals: 1- Bouchard (56); In Assists: 1- Robinson (79); In PPG: 1- Bouchard (17); In PPA: 1- Robinson (32); In GWG: 2- Bouchard (8); 4- Bicek (5); In GWG/OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3); 2- Damian Surma (2); Robinson (2). In MG: 1- Bouchard (14); In SOG: 1- Bouchard (295); In Plus/Minus: 2- DiPace (+29); 4- Bouchard (+25); 6- Robinson (+23). In OTSO Goals: 3- Robinson 4/7; 6- Surma 3/5. In Rookie Scoring: 3- Krug 64(13-30-43); 9- Matt Robertson 65(16-20-36); 16- J.T. Dahlinger 64(9-18-27). In PPG: 3- Krug (8); In Assists: 2- Krug (30); In Plus/Minus: 3- Dahlinger (+18); 4- Krug (+16). Defense Scoring: 1 - Krug 64(13-30-43); 8- Adam Welch 57(6-18-24); 23- Mario Larocque 20(2-12-14). In Goals: 1- Krug (13); In Assists: 2- Krug (30); In PPG: 1- Krug (8); In Plus/Minus: 3- Krug (+16); 5- Adam Welch (+13). In the Goaltending department: 3- Sebastien Centomo 2.55 GAA; 6- Matt Lundin 2.89 GAA. WINS: 2- Centomo (24); 5- Lundin (18). SHUTOUTS: 1- (tied) Centomo (3); In OTSO/SPCT: Lundin 12/15;.800.

"BOUCH ALMIGHTY" ALL-TIME: "The Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard made amazing quick work of his date with destiny, hockey excellence and immortality. Embarking on the week needing 4-more strikes stoked to attain minor pro hockey's premiere pinnacle, "Bouch Almighty" was undaunted, untrammeled and right on task. He promptly proceeded to propel 4-goals in 2-games the past weekend, including a "Bouchardian" brilliant 3-goal "hat trick" Saturday night when his team stunned the Komets in Fort Wayne, 4-3. The flamboyant francophone fashioned back-to-back #1 Star laurels, repeating the feat the following night in his team's 5-2 collaring of the Quad Citians. It was in the latter contest that he became the greatest goal-scorer ever in the history of minor pro hockey with goal #683. For the week, he was 3(4-0-4) with 2-FG, 2-PPG, 1-TBG, 1-GTG and 14-SOG. Bouchard's inexorable ascent to the heavens of hockey was utterly the makings of the ultimate master at his natural craft. Like his famous #32, he scored 32-goals in the last 32-games to reach his new galaxy; 24-goals in the last 23-games and 14-goals struck in the last 11-`Jacks outings. In his last 108-regular season Muskegon games, he has unleashed an unprecedented 98-goals. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

"SEA-BASS" BEST: Nine-year pro goalkeeper Sebastien Centomo has returned to form following a 4-weeks' absence from the league-leading Lumberjacks lineup due to injury. The former CHL Goaltender of the Year and NHL Toronto Maple Leafs member was "on the money" the past week as he played every minute in every game of his team's trio of performances. Posting a 3(2-1-0) mark, the Laval, PQ product posted back-to-back victories over the weekend, Saturday night in Fort Wayne and Sunday evening at home against Quad City. He was heralded the #3 Star in the latter assignment as he capped the week's workload with his 8th consecutive victory at home. For the week, his GAA was 3.00, SPCT.899. Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

THE KRUG CHRONICLES: First-year defenseman Matt Krug continues his growth and maturation, emerging prominently as a major stalwart and bulwark on the Muskegon backline. In 3-games the past week, he was 3(0-2-2) with both of his arrangements spawning Robin Bouchard PPG Saturday night in Fort Wayne. He has become the IHL's top scoring defenseman while being tied for #3 overall in scoring by this year's rookie class. His 179-PIM top all rookies, ranking runner-up among league defensemen in the PIM category. Krug is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

LINEMATE FACILLITATE: Not to be overshadowed nor superseded by his linemate Robin Bouchard's magnificent mission and ultimate accomplishment, #32's center Todd Robinson has set-up more "Bouchardian" bazooka blasts boomed over the many years here in Muskegon. For example, "T. Rob" was the playmaker extraordinaire on 3 of his record-breaking, history-making Bouchard linemate goals including the climaxing crescendo and magic number 683. For the week, the "Robinsonian" numbers were 3(0-5-5) as the franchise second all-time leading scoring impresario has extended his personal point streak to 11-games with 11(2-16-18). He is 2-points away from his 6th 100-points' season in his illustrious pro career and his 5th resplendent in the Muskegon finery and frippery.

THE ACE OF DIPACE PLACE: Veteran, versatile forward John DiPace is finding his form just in time for the best time of the year; the stretch drive leading to the playoffs. In Sunday's 5-2 dispatching of the Quad Citians, the unrelenting, unbridled left wing was razzle, dazzle dynamic. In the second period alone, he almost singularly raided the "flock" stock with a pair of PPG following the primary assist on the Damian Surma SHG which severed the 1-1- tie. He attained a sharp, savvy +3 rating. For the weekend, he was 2(2-2-4) +3 rating.

LIGHTNING `BOLT' SHOT: As the season moves down into the short strokes time of the year, left wing Bobby Bolt is beginning to find his way in a big way. The Anaheim Ducks draft pick emerged as the unsung, unheralded hero in his team's key, clutch conquest of the Komets in Fort Wayne Saturday. His 6th goal of the season in the 7th minute of the third period seemed to split the night's air on a shot heard all the way back to the Lakeshore. It also broke the 3-3 saw-off and catapulted the `Jacks into the 4-3 advantage they never relinquished. He was 2(1-1-2) for the weekend. All 6 of his snipes this season have been snapped on foreign ice.

EXTRA MAN MONEY: The Lumberjacks power play has been percolating and resonating in the second half of the season. In their Saturday night 4-3 triumph in Fort Wayne, the `Jacks PP was 2-4 against the circuit's stingiest penalty-killing outfit. The following night the extra man band was back on the beam one more time, going 2-3 in the convincing conquest of the Quad City team. The anatomy of the numerology; Muskegon is 5-9; 55.5%; 9-23; 39.1%; 12-30; 40%; 19-55; 3.5% proficiency rating. The penalty-killing cast also has its brag flag unfurled, operating at a solid 86.5% efficiency rating with the opposition going 5 for the last 37.

MILESTONING STORIES: Billy Collins (397) is 3-games away from becoming only the 6th player in club history to play in 400-games, having played everyone of his pro games for the Muskegon club. Mario Larocque's next goal (99) will be the 100th of his pro career. Damian Surma (298) is 2-points away from pro career 300. Michel Beausoleil (243) is 7-goals from #250. Robin Bouchard (1,395) is 5-points away from pro career 1,400. Todd Robinson has accumulated an amazing 744-career assists in 734-career games.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When the `Jacks bushwhacked the Komets in Fort Wayne Saturday night, 4-3, it gave them a winning record against every team in the league; they are 9(5-4-0) against the two-time defending league champions. Muskegon continues to flourish on Sunday with a mark of 12(10-1-1). Combining Sunday's record with Tuesday and Wednesday's, the `Jacks record stands at a sterling 24(20-3-1). Robin Bouchard's 56-goals are 21-more than all of the IHL; Todd Robinson's 79-assists are 29-more than the rest of the league. When the Lumberjacks yield 3-GAor less, their record stands at 45(40-4-1).

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, MARCH 26TH FORT WAYNE AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

For the third time in two weeks the top two teams in the IHL will lock antlers after the previous two exercises were conducted in Fort Wayne where the `Jacks gained an even split. The `Jacks lead the season series, 9(5-4-0). They are 4(3-1-0) on home ice against the K's.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27TH QUAD CITY AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

For the fifth time in the month of March, the `Jacks and the Ducks will meet, again. The Lumberjacks have dominated the season series over the Mallards; 12(9-3-0). They are 6(5-1-0) on home ice this season and 19(16-2-1) in their last 19-home appearances against the "Quack Attack" dating back through recent seasons. Muskegon has laid claim to the season series for a fifth time in a row over the Ducks.

LEGENDS, YOUNG GUNS AND LUMBERJACKS: All the Lumberjacks game broadcasts in the 50th Anniversary Season as well as the Monday Night "Jacks Jam" can be heard on exclusive flagship radio station WLAW 92.5 FM, "THE OUTLAW." The Monday night "Jacks Jam" is every Monday night from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, live from FRICANO'S MUSKEGON LAKE. The "Voice" of the Lumberjacks, Terry Ficorelli has all of the Jacks on radio action. The `Jacks game broadcasts can also be found on the world wide web at www.muskegonlumberjacks.com.

THE LUMBERJACKS DAILY UPDATE REPORTS: Tune in every day even when there is not a game, as Terry Ficorelli brings you up to date with the Lumberjacks Hockey Update, Monday through Friday at 5:57 pm on WEFG-FM 97.5, "THE CHAMP." There are also Lumberjacks daily reports throughout the day in Grand Haven on WGHN Radio, "Sports Radio 1370 ESPN."

LUMBERJACKS TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for all Lumberjacks j=home games for the 2009-10 season are on sale at the Walker Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster Centers or by phone at (231)726-2400; VISA / MASTERCARD accepted. For great group rates and birthday parties with the Lumberjacks, phone the Lumberjacks office at (231) 726-3879 or visit our website at www.muskegonlumberjacks.com. Once again, all this season at every home game, all youth tickets (17-under) are only $5 as presented by Muskegon Community College.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 22, 2010


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